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Art  of  Catting  Materials  for  Sentlemen's  Clothes. 


Invented  and  improved  by  an  experienced  Merchant  Tailor, 


v- 


s^WtLLIAM 


CHICAGO,    IIjL. 


C.  F.  Lichtner,   Book  and  Job  Pynter,  212  Milwaukee  Avenue,  Chicago,  111. 


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Introduction. 


For  Several  Years  my  thoughts  and  endeavors  have  been  directed  to  the  invention  of  a  measurement  and 
an  art  of  cutting,  which  would  suitably  attire  every  human  body,  according  to  its  shape  and  to  such  perfection  that 
every  colleague  would  be  obliged  to  acknowledge  it  to  be  the  proper  system  of  cutting,  deriving  its  perfection  from 
being  in  strict  accordance  with  the  laws  of  nature. 

I  had,  indeed,  to  contend  with  many  difficulties,  but  felt  confident,  being  guided  by  the  laws  of  nature  as  far 
as  connected  with  this  subject,  of  surmounting  them  and  of  arriving  at  a  result  of  scientific  investigation  clearly 
and  irrefutably  to  be  considered  as  a  mathematical  proof. 

In  presenting  to  the  public  this  new  treatise  on  the  art  of  cutting,  my  intention  is,  not  to  augment  the  number 
of  the  many  manuals  of  this  kind  already  existing,  but  to  publish  a  system  of  measurement,  drawing  and  cutting 
based  on  the  rules  of  Trigonometry. 

The  precepts  of  measurement  of  the  human  shape  require  more  reflection  than  the  old  fashioned  mode  to 
which  many  still  adhere.  After  having  studied  the  following  precepts  of  measurement  of  the  structure  of  the 
human  body,  the  pupil  will  be  enabled  to  make  a  draft  on  paper  of  such  measurement. 

For  beginners,  i.  e.  such  without  practice  of  cutting,  nothing  is  more  dangerous  than  too  much  haste;  a  pro- 
ceeding which  would  make  him  imagine  that  he  had  mastered  all  difficulties  after  a  few  days  application.  Those 
who  apply  superficially  to  the  appropriation  of  given  rules  and  methods,  will  generally  find  their  progress  unsatis- 
factory and  the  end  aimed  at,  unattained,  because  the  art  of  cutting  must  be  studied  and  not  merely  learned. 

There  are  many  who  say  that  the  art  of  measuring  and  cutting  have  made  progress  like  other  arts  and 
sciences,  which  are  perhaps  fare  less  useful  and  necessary  to  mankind,  but  this  1  deny.  Up  to  the  present  day 
every  one  has  been  left  to  his  own  invention  in  this  respect;  and  excepting  a  few  theoretical  rules  which  to  dish 
up  before  the  novice,  has  been  and  still  is  the  custom,  the  art  of  the  practical  cutter  has  not  been  confined  to  any 
certain  rules  whatever. 

1  have  made  it  my  task  to  lay  down  rules,  based  on  plastic  as  well  as  geometry,  for  the  guidance  of  the  prac- 
tical cutter,  and  which  are  particularly  adapted  for  extensive  business,  as  they  enable  a  person  to  cut  with  ease 
and  accuracy,  according  to  the  measurement  somebody  else  has  taken. 

In  order  to  keep  clear  of  mistakes  in  cutting,  I  have  designed  at  the  end  of  this  book  a  plan  according  to 
which  all  the  measurements  of  the  human  body  can  be  put  into  its  several  and  separate  compartments.  Tafel  I. 
Fig.  20. 

I  flatter  myself  that  after  an  attentive  perusal  of  this  treatise  the  practical  cutter  will  find  it  to  contain  many, 
new  discovered  advantages,  and  for  the  beginner  it  will  solve  all  problems  of  this  art  and  answer  all  his  require- 
ments. 

THE  AUTHOR. 


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THE    SHAPE    OF   THE    HUMAN    BODY. 

The  human  body,  i.  e.  upper  pari  of  it  or  trunk,  seen  from  a  plastical  point  of  view,  appears  cither  as  a 
blunted  c-one  or  as  a  cylinder,  howsoever  it  may  be  shaped.     Imagine  a  human  figure  chiseled  by  a  seulptor,  cut 

in  two  at  the  waist,  bead  and  anus  chopped  oft",  put  in  that  condition  on  a  table  and  the  truth  of  this  assertion 
will  be  apparent.     Such  a  trunk  can,  however,  assume  three  different  shapes,  namely: 

First,  That  of  a  blunted,  erectly  or  obliquely  standing  cone,  if  belonging  to  a  normally  built  individual, 
whose  upper  width  is  larger  than  his  lower  width; 

SECOND,  That  of  a  blunted,  erectly  or  obliquely  standing  cone,  if  belonging  to  a  corpulent  individual,  of 
whom  the  upper  width  is  smaller  than  the  lower; 

Third,  That  of  a  blunted  cylinder,  where  upper  and  lower  widths  are  equal.  Another  shape  is  not  im- 
aginable. 

Were  the  human  trunk  as  smooth  and  level  as  a  blunted  cone  or  cylinder,  then  it  would  be  just  as  simple 
and  easy  to  construct  a  covering  for  it,  as  it  is  to  fit  a  cone  or  cylinder,  the  necessity  of  making  holes  for  the 
anus  being  the  only  difference;  and  the  material  intended  for  the  attire  of  the  human  trunk  would  resemble  a 
square  with  circular  holes  cut  out  for  the  arms. 

As  the  human  trunk,  however,  shows  an  irregular  surface  with  projecting  and  receding  parts,  it  is  neces- 
sary that  other  rules  besides  those  that  apply  to  cones  merely,  should  be  observed,  in  order  to  convert  materials 
naturally  even  into  a  covering  for  an  uneven  trunk.  It  is  therefore  requisite  that  the  operation  of  arching  or 
curving  should  be  directed  by  the  theory  of  the  globular  zone  and  the  vertex,  for  every  arch  forms  part  of  one 
or  the  other,  and  the  accurate  construction  of  these  belongs  to  the  department  of  Trigonometry.  We  need  not, 
however,  make  use  of  it  any  further  than  necessary  or  advantageous  for  our  purpose,  nor  further  than  its  appli- 
cation would  serve  to  solve  a  question  at  once  and  in  conformity  with  the  results  of  long  experience.  But  just 
for  this  very  reason  there  arises  for  ns  out  of  these  fragments  of  Trigonometry  and  level  calculations  a  separate 
branch  of  this  science  which  applies  only  to  the  human  body,  and  which  I  therefore  shall  call 

BODY   MEASURING   PRECEPT. 

Measuring  and  what  is  to  be  observed  in  connection  with  it.  Measuring  forms  the  most  important  part  of 
what  is  to  be  learned  and  must  be  executed  with  the  utmost  accuracy  and  care,  because  the  construction  of  the 
draft  entirely  depends  upon  it.  For  that  reason  the  real  lengths  and  widths  of  the  body  must  be  put  down  in 
figures  according  to  the  results  of  these  separate  measurements,  without  respect  to  cut  or  desired  shape;  for  these 
latter  belong  to  the  department  of  the  fashion  plate,  whilst  the  construction  has  only  the  shape  of  the  body  for  its 
object.  Once  knowing  the  dimensions  of  the  lengths  and  widths  of  the  human  body  and  those  of  its  limbs  and 
members  accurately,  the  lengths  and  widths  of  any  fashion  can  be  given  with  the  same  accuracy  and  certainty 
as  if  the  body  was  to  be  clothed  in  tightly  fitting  garments. 

It  is  therefore  advisable  to  observe  strictly  the  principles  laid  down  in  these  and  the  following  paragraphs 
in  respect  to  measurement,  and  to  take  the  whole  measure  (as  given  at  the  end)  even,  provided  the  customer 
should  order  a  pair  of  pantaloons  or  a  vest  only.  The  mode  of  measuring  part  of  the  body  is  not  merely  pro- 
ductive of  ignorance  as  to  its  different  proportions,  but  necessitates  to  take  a  new  measure  on  every  occasion 
of  a  new  order  being  given;  which  would  prove  in  the  end  to  waste  more  time  than  taking  the  whole  measure- 
ment at  once  when  the  first  order  was  received. 

To  avoid  mistakes  the  right  side  ought  always  to  be  measured  first,  and  the  left  side  only  in  case  of  any 
marked  difference  of  formation.  The  observance  of  the  succession  here  indicated  is  desirable  also  in  order  not 
commit  any  error  in  copying  out  the  measurement. 

Though  in  some  cases  the  measuring  might  be  executed  with  more  precision,  if  the  person  to  be  measured 
would  divest  himself  of  his  coat,  it  might  appear  indelicate  to  ask  him  to  do  so  and  embarrass  him;  wherefore 
I  have  preferred  to  take  the  measure  over  the  coat;  which  however,  does  not  imply  that  the  measure  should 
not  occasionally  be  taken  without  a  coat  and  over  the  vest  only.  In  this  latter  case  proper  allowance  of  mate- 
rial must  be  made  for  an  outer  garment  when  constructing  the  measure. 

In  the  case  of  crooked  or  humpbacked  persons,  it  will  become  absolutely  necessary  to  measure  after  the 
coat  has  been  taken  off,  in  order  to  get  thoroughly  acquainted  with  the  deformities  of  the  body.  Frequently 
the  outer  garments  for  the  deformed  are  constructed,  contrary  to  purpose  and  logic,  and  are  padded  to  such  an 
extent,  that  taking  measure  outside  all  these  misplaced  improvements  would  leave  one  entirely  in  the  dark  as 
to  the  real  shape  of  the  body  to  be  fitted. 


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A  TREATISE   ONTHE  MEASUREMENT  or™  H  U  MAN  BODY 


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EXPLANATION  OF  THE  EXTRA  MEASUREMENTS  AND  THE  DRAFTING  OF  THEM. 

In  order  to  be  able  to  explain  simply  and  briefly  the  main  rules  of  measurements  here  indicated,  it  was 
necessary  to  omit  such  of  them  as  used  only  in  a  certain  few  cases.  These  are  the  gaiters  or  coverings  for  the 
calf  of  the  leg.  These  measurements  are  only  to  be  taken  when  really  needed,  and  put  down  extra  in  accord- 
ance with  the  following  rules:  Width  of  the  bend  of  the  knee  (hough)  measured  round  the  thinnest  part  of  the 
knee  joint.  Width  of  the  calf,  measured  round  the  highest  part  of  the  calf.  Width  of  the  ankle,  close  above 
the  ankle.     Width  of  the  heel,  to  be  measured  circularly  round  the  heel  of  the  boot  and  the  ankle  joint. 

EXPLANATION  OF  THE  PROPORTIONAL  CONSTRUCTION  OF  THE  PATTERN  DRAWING. 

All  the  drafts  belonging  to  this  treatise  are  executed  according  to  the  7  times  (seven  times)  reduced  inch 
measure.  This  being  understood,  no  difficulty  can  arise  at  the  cutting.  In  explaining  this  construction,  we 
will  have  to  ask  ourselves:  the  compliance  with  which  conditions  is  necessary  to  set  down  the  pattern  draft  of 
the  bodily  attire  as  proportional  or  normal?  Normal  denotes  regularity  of  natural  construction  unchecked  by 
disturbing  influences.  Proportional  again  is  any  part  of  a  whole,  which,  when  compared  with  the  whole,  has 
all  the  requisites  of  shape  and  size.  Are  these  conditions  united  in  the  external  construction  of  a  human  body, 
the  latter  may  be  called  normally  proportioned.  A  well  built  person  as  well,  as  a  corpulent  one,  can  possess  the 
requirements. 

By  what  can  we  reorganize,  whether  and  when  these  conditions  exist  in  the  construction  of  a  draft  for  the 
attire  of  the  human  body?  Answer:  AVhen  the  joining  is  simple  and  harmonious  to  such  a  degree,  that  the 
whole  can  be  put  together  with  separate  but  equal  parts  without  marring  the  impression  of  harmony,  like  a 
square  that  can  be  changed  into  a  triangle  by  simply  drawing  a  diagonal  line. 

CONSTRUCTION   FOR   THE   ABNORMAL   HUMAN   BODY, 

which  has  been  checked  in  its  growth,  disarranged  and  afflicted  with  a  hump.  The  designing  and  making  up 
of  a  dress  for  such  an  individual  forms  undoubtedly  the  most  difficult  part  of  tailoring;  they  are,  nevertheless, 
subjected  to  the  same  rules  that  apply  to  other  jjarts  of  the  body,  t.  e.  Trigonometry,  as  shown  in  the  annexed 
drafts.  If,  for  the  promotion  of  our  investigation,  we  observe  a  humpbacked  person  closer,  causing  to  take  off 
his  coat,  we  will  clearly  find,  that  we  have  to  deal  with  two  different  halves  of  the  body,  each  of  which  must 
be  measured  and  constructed  independently  of  the  other.  To  cover  and  hide  as  much  as  in  our  power  these 
deformities,  must  be  our  chief  aim.  This  can  be  done  by  means  of  a  judicious  padding  of  the  receding  half, 
facilitated  by  the  difference  in  the  given  measures  of  the  lining  and  of  the  outside  material. 

CONSTRUCTION   TO   RIGHTLY   CLOTHE   THE   HUMAN   BODY  AND   TO   DRAFT 
ACCORDING  TO  A  GIVEN  MEASUREMENT. 

Before  commencing  to  draft,  I  wish  to  observe  that  every  cutter  ought  to  well  look  at  the  human  shape 
which  he  is  about  to  measure,  in  order  to  ascertain,  what  build  it  belongs  to.  There  are  bodies  which  are 
broadly  built  and  of  which  the  back  therefore  is  broader  than  it  normally  ought.  The  breadth  of  the  back 
of  a  normally  grown  individual  amounts  always  to  one  fifth  of  the  whole  upper  width. 

Noting  down  the  measurement,  the  kind  of  build  to  be  dealt  with,  i.  e.,  whether  normal  breath  of  back, 
humpbacked,  rounded,  or  bent  in  back,  and  there  will  be  but  little  difficulty  to  draw  a  correct  conclusion  as 
to  the  outlines  of  the  human  shape  we  are  to  fit. 

The  original  draft  must  be  made  on  paper  and  used  for  a  pattern  to  mark  the  material  for  cutting.  Paper 
is  cheaper  than  the  most  inferior  stuff  and  is  better  adapted  for  cutting.  The  back  pieces  are  to  be  executed 
first  in  every  draft,  according  to  the  shape  of  the  body.  There  are  bodies  of  which  the  back  breadth  is  more 
than  x5  of  the  upper  width,  altough  straightly  built:  these  are  the  broad  built  trunks.  Respecting  the  different 
other  shapes  of  bodies,  what  is  said  of  the  back  forming  the  fifth  part  of  the  upper  width,  holds  good.  In  the 
event  of  a  rounded  back,  the  additional  width  can  be  allowed  for  by  going  beyond  the  back  seam;  and  dealing 
with  a  bent  in  back,  which  forms  less  than  5  of  the  upper  width,  the  back  piece  is  to  be  hollowed  at  the  middle 
in  order  to  conform  with  the  measure. 

HERE  FOLLOWS  A  MEASURE   FOR  DIAGRAM  5,  6,  7,  8  and  9. 

Length  of  the  back  17£  inches,  prolongation  lj-  inches.  Length  of  the  skirt  32.  Position  of  the  arm  \\\. 
Breadth  of  the  natural  waist  8J.  Side  length  8  \.  Back  bust-length  20£.  Front  bust-length  21.  Height  of 
the  shoulder  32.  Breadth  of  the  chest  10£.  Breadth  of  the  back  1h  Length  of  elbow  21.  Arm  length  32. 
Circumference  of  the  arm  hole  17.  Width  of  the  fist  11.  Large  upper  width  3S.V.  Upper  Width  36$.  Waist 
width  32.     Width  round  the  hips  35.     Width  of  the  seat  37-A.     Width  ot  the  hollow  of  the  gorge  17A. 

Firstly,  Previous  to  drafting,  the  whole  upper  width  is  to  be  divided  into  5  parts,  1  into  3  parts,  $  again 
into  5  parts.  These  divisions  are  the  normal  proportions  of  the  width  of  the  back  and  the  prominences  at 
the  neck. 


Secondly,  The  position  of  the  arm  amounts  to  1H  inches;  the  width  of  the  natural  waist  8i  inches;  8£ 
deducted  from  ll£  leaves  8£.     Tliese  divided  into  halves  lij,  again  divided  into  thirds  >'  „. 

Draw  a  square  in  proportion  to  the  length  of  the  back  and  the  upper  width;  commence  at  a  (length  of  the 
back)  at  the  perpendicular  line  of  the  square,  and  mark  17.V  inches  t  to  /.  From  t  to  n  1$.  Mark  at  the  same 
time  the  width  of  the  waist  according  to  fashion.  From  there  to  r  mark  u  .  Draw  a  line  from  a  to  t  upon  the 
point  n;  from  a  to  b  £,  to  /;  I ,  now  put  the  length  of  the  hack  I7i  to  t,  mark  the  side-length  8 J  (d  to  //)  divided 
into  halves,  and  again  divided  into  thirds.  From  d  to  h  i  o;  from  d  to  oo  %.  Draw  now  from  the  perpendicu- 
lar line  horizontal  lines,  then  put  the  back  breadth  to  d,  dd  also  to  oo,cc.  Draw  lines  at  the  points  as  marked 
on  the  pattern  draft;  draw  a  becoming  shape  of  the  shoulder  at  the  hollow  of  the  gorge,  side  seam,  and  the 
back  part;  divide  the  shoulder  seam  at  the  back  part  into  3  parts,  name  the  points:  the  first  f  z,  the  second  /'. 
Now  put  the  position  of  the  arm  on  d.  To  ff  are  ll£  inches,  to  m  (width  of  the  chest)  8J.  Draw  a  perpendic- 
ular line  at  the  position  of  the  arm  ff  to  the  waist  line/f";  from  there  to  U  \  upper  width.  Draw  a  line  from  V 
to  m — perpendicularly  ^  of  the  breadth  of  the  shoulder  in  oblique  direction;  from  the  position  of  the  arm  f  z 
to  h  is  the  situation  of  the  hollow  of  the  gorge  of  the  front  part.  Put  h  to  h  at  the  front  part;  the  front  bust- 
length  measure  in  oblique  direction  downward  to  the  waist  atjf,  as  shown  at  a  in  the  back  piece,  topmost 
across  the  arching  down  to  the  waist  atjf',  deducting  the  seams;  put  on  the  back-bust-length  measure  from  the 
position  of  the  arm  ff  to  h  and  a,  divided  into  5  parts.  From  a  to  i  26,  is  the  depth  of  the  shoulder;  2  l  z  is 
the  depth  of  the  hollow  of  the  gorge,  1R  to  shape  the  armhole  at  the  muscle  V.  From  dd  to^f'  in  three  parts,  ^ 
part  from  dd  to  e;  draw  a  perpendicular  line,  put  the  measure  of  the  width  of  the  natural  waist  on  n,  deduct 
the  scams  at  the  back  and  side  pieces  and  measure  on  to  the  point  ff.  As  much  as  the  material  still  is  too 
wide,  so  much  must  be  drawn  in  at  e,  the  width  of  the  shoulder  at  the  back  piece  goes  with  the  width  of  the 
hollow  of  the  gorge  h.  Draw  a  line  to  the  depth  of  the  shoulder;  put  on  the  measure  of  the  shoulder  height  32 
inches  at  ff  down  at  the  waist,  draw  it  to  the  position  of  the  arm,  past  it  to /"front  part  and /back  part  width 
of  the  shoulder  on  to  n  down  at  the  back  part.  Draft  the  necessary  height  of  the  shoulder  according  to  the 
measure.  If  a  broader  shoulder  is  wanted,  it  must  come  higher  up  at  the  back  part  and  in  the  same  degree  be 
shortened  in  front.  Shape  the  back  and  the  front  parts  according  to  the  pattern  draft.  The  place  and  length 
of  the  "sucon",  the  width  of  the  chest  from  ff  to  m  to  be  divided  into  halves;  the  waist  line  from  ff  to  u  to  be 
divided  into  4  "parts;  \  of  the  latter  to  be  marked  at/f  to  u,  where  a  line  is  drawn  on  £  and  J.  The  side  length 
is  to  be  divided  into  halves.  Then  put  on  the  width  of  the  waist  32.  As  much  as  is  marked  off  by  the  draft 
from  ff  to  u  (the  greater  width  of  the  hip  measure  compared  to  the  material),  so  much  is  to  be  drawn  in  at  the 
locality  of  the  hip  point.  Whether  fly- or  flap-fronted  is  determined  by  fashion.  All  the  different  trunks  are 
drafted  in  conformity  with  this  diagram. 

THE  CONSTRUCTION  OF  THE  FROCK  AND  DRESS  COAT  SKIRT.     DIAG.  8. 

The  skirt  of  the  coat,  this  seemingly  so  unimportant  part  of  the  manly  attire,  forms,  as  it  were,  the  baro- 
meter of  the  body;  for,  not  only  the  outline  of  the  wdiole  body  are  affected  by  its  fit,  but  the  changes  of  fashion, 
too,  are  most  visibly  marked  in  it :  the  correct  dressing  of  the  trunk  depends  on  its  width  and  shape.  The 
width  of  the  seat  is  the  largest  circumference  of  the  lower  body,  and  is  therefore  as  important  as  the  upper 
width  in  the  measurement  of  the  trunk. 

Cutting  theories  even  of  the  present  day  do  not  attach  much  importance  to  the  widths  of  hips  and  seat,  and 
treat  consequently  the  measuring  of  the  whole  body  as  superfluous.  Bragging  ignoramusses,  still  adhering  to 
this  theory  of  neglect,  will  say:  "For  such  a  miserable  build  a  well  fitting  coat  cannot  be  made."  Whoever 
says  so,  does  certainly  not  know  how  to  make  one!  The  skirts  are  usually  drafted  quite  independently  of  the 
front  parts.  This  is  a  wrong  practice;  for,  as  the  side  seam  cannot  be  drafted  correctly  without  putting  on  the 
back  pieces,  so  the  skirt  cannot  be  constructed  without  putting  on  the  front  parts,  especially  as  the  narrow 
skirt  requires  the  most  attention.     Diagram  8. 

THE  POSITION  POINTS  OF  THE  FROCK  AND  DRESS  COAT  SKIRTS. 

Drawr  a  perpendicular  and  a  horizontal  line.  At  the  perpendicular  line  the  lengths  are  marked;  at  the 
horizontal  first:  the  width  of  the  hips,  then  the  width  of  the  seat  at  the  width  of  the  hips.  From  the  back 
pieces  deduction  is  made  proportionally,  then  the  front  piece  is  put  on  and  the  side  part  to  the  back;  thus  the 
skirt  is  formed.  If  a  wider  skirt  is  wanted,  it  must  be  drafted  higher  at  the  back  going  beyond  the  line;  by 
this  mode  a  wide  skirt  is  obtained.  In  respect  to  the  skirt  of  a  dress  coat  the  same  rules  that  apply  to  a  nar- 
row skirted  frock  coat  hold  good. 

The  front  cut  is  directed  by  prevailing  fashion.     Diagram  8. 

THE  CONSTRUCTION  OF  THE  SLEEVE. 

The  arms,  too,  call  for  a  well  fitting  covering  which  looks  becoming  in  any  position  of  the  arm.  The 
length  of  the  arm  down  to  the  elbow,  down  to  the  wrist ;  the  circumference  of  the  armhole,  width  of  the  fist. 
The  circumference  of  the  armhole  divide  into  |,  into  4  parts,  into  16  parts,  into  32  parts. 


RESPECTING   MEASUREMENT. 

Previous  to  measuring,  the  attire  of  the  customer  is  to  be  adjusted  as  much  as  practicable.  The  pantaloons 
must  not  hang  down  at  the  hips,  and  the  coat  or  dress  coat  must  be  buttoned,  but  not  in  any  way  disarranged. 
Measuring  over  a  coat  made  of  thick  material  ought  to  be  avoided.  Most  suitable  for  this  purpose  are  either  a 
cloth  coat  or  dress  coat,  even  if  not  altogether  fitting;  because,  by  putting  on  the  measuring  belt,  the  basis  for 
measurement  will  be  formed  nevertheless.  It  is,  of  course,  necessary  that  in  any  such  a  ease  greater  care  must 
be  used  than  would  be  required  in  the  case  of  a  well  fitting  coat. 

Be  careful  also,  that  the  person  to  be  measured  puts  himself  into  his  customary  posture,  because  the  fit  of 
clothes  depends  entirely  upon  the  measurement  and  the  position  in  which  it  was  taken.  Anybody  being  meas- 
ured whilst  assuming  a  negligent  posture  cannot  expect  his  clothes  to  fit  when  tried  on  before  a  mirror  in  an 
upright  posture.  The  same  will  naturally  be  the  result  if  the  measure  was  taken  on  a  person  straightening 
himself  too  much;  the  clothes,  when  made  up  according  to  the  measure  thus  taken,  will  not  allow  of  any  easy- 
posture  or  motion. 

Let  the  person  to  be  measured  stand  perfectly  at  his  ease  without,  however,  dropping  into  a  negligent 
posture.  This  done,  put  on  the  waist  belt  in  such  a  manner,  that  the  middle  division  of  it  touches  the  spine; 
run  the  two  ends  of  the  belt  round  the  waist  close  over  the  hips  and  encircling  the  waist.  After  this. is  done, 
take  the  two  ends  of  the  belt  into  the  left  hand,  draw  them  tight  and  change  position  from  behind  the  person 
measured  to  the  front  without  slackening  the  belt.  Then  with  the  right  hand  put  the  end  of  the  belt  without  a 
hook  underneath  the  one  with  a  hook  and  fasten  the  belt  by  hooking  it.  Should  the  middle  division  mentioned 
before  have  been  disarranged  during  the  operation,  draw  it  to  its  former  place.  Then  mark  the  place  of  the 
top  of  the  centre  seam  and  depth  of  the  arms  at  front  muscle  of  each  arm. 

Measuring  in  general  must  be  executed  accurately  and  tightly-;  for  additional  width  as  required  for  com- 
fort or  by  fashion,  can  be  allowed  for  at  the  cutting.  It  must,  however,  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  condition  of 
a  really  comfortable  armhole  depends  on  accuracy  of  cut  more  than  on  width:  far  the  widest  armhole  can  cause 
inconvenience  if  it  be  misplaced. 

Should  the  person  measured  wish  his  clothes  for  the  sake  of  comfort  to  be  made  up  in  a  style  deviating 
from  the  general  rule,  a  memorandum  of  this  is  to  be  made  and  added  to  the  measurement,  in  order  to  be  re- 
minded of  it  when  cutting. 

Measuring  must  be  practised  until  it  can  be  done  without  clumsiness,  but  with  ease  and  firmness,  elegance 
and  celerity.  To  avoid  keeping  a  customer  waiting  longer  than  absolutely  necessary,  it  is  advisable  to  have 
somebody  at  hand  for  the  purpose  of  putting  down  on  paper  the  measures  which  are  being  taken.  This  mode 
saves  much  time  and  allowes  of  greater  accuracy.  The  measuring  and  drafting  can  be  executed  with  an  inch 
or  centimeter  measure. 

1.  MEASURE.     BACK  LENGTH  INCLUDING  PROLONGATION  AND  SKIRT-LENGTH. 

From  the  top  of  the  centre  seam  down  to  middle  division  of  the  waist  belt,  back  length  and  prolongation; 
from  there  skirt-length.  A  humpbacked  person  measure  first  the  flat  side,  then  over  the  hump  down  to  middle 
division  of  the  belt. 

2.  MEASURE.     POSITION  OF  THE  ARM. 

From  the  chalk  mark  at  the  muscle  at  the  arm  (in  front),  draw  the  measure  underneath  the  arm  up  to  the 
highest  arch  of  the  shoulder  blade  on  the  centre  seam  of  the  back. 

3.  MEASURE.      WIDTH  OF  THE  NATURAL  WAIST. 
From  the  chalk  mark  at  the  hip  to  middle  of  the  belt  in  horizontal  direction. 

4.  MEASURE.      SIDE-LENGTH. 

From  the  chalk  mark  at  the  muscle  of  the  arm  down  to  the  prominence  of  the  hip  where  there  is  a  chalk 
mark  on  the  belt. 

5.  MEASURE.      BACK-BUST-LENGTH. 

From  top  of  the  centre  seam  in  oblique  direction  across  the  arch  of  the  shoulder  blade  down  to  chalk  mark 
at  the  hip,  from  which  mark  the  measure  of  width  of  the  natural  waist  is  made. 

6.  MEASURE.      FRONT-BUST-LENGTH. 

From  the  top  of  centre  seam  across  the  shoulder  to  front  in  straight  direction  past  the  arm,  down  to  the 
chalk  mark  at  the  hip  and  waist  belt. 

7.  MEASURE.      HEIGHT  OF  THE  SHOULDER. 

From  middle  division  of  waist  belt  over  arch  of  the  shoulder  blade  and  shoulder  in  straight  direction 
down  past  the  arm  tg  the  prominence  of  the  hip  at  the  chalk  mark  of  the  belt, 


8.  MEASURE.      BREADTH  OF  THE  CHEST. 
From  the  chalk  mark  at  the  arm-muscle  in  horizontal  direction  across  the  chest  to  the  opposite  chalk  mark 
mi  arm-muscle  which  is  to  be  marked. 

9.  MEASURE.     BREADTH  OF  THE  BACK. 
From  centre  seam  horizontally  to  chalk  mark  at  the  arm. 

10.  MEASURE.     LENGTH  OF  THE  ELBOW. 
Cause  the  person  to  be  measured  to  hold  his  arm  in  a  horizontal  direction  in  such  a  manner  as  to  form 
corners  at  the  hark  as  well  as  at  the  elbow,  then  measure  from  the  back  seam  to  the  elbow. 

11.  MEASURE.     ARM-LENGTH. 
From  the  elbow  measure  further  on  to  the  wrist. 

12.  MEASURE.      CIRCUMFERENCE  OF  THE  ARMHOLE. 
Accurately  measured  around  the  globe  of  the  arm. 

13.  MEASURE.      WIDTH  OF  THE  FIST. 
Tightly  measured  across  the  closed  fist,  i.  e.  knuckles. 

1-1.  MEASURE.      LARGE  UPPER  WIDTH. 
Circular  measure  underneath  the  arms  in  horizontal  direction  and  touching  the  highest  prominences  of 
chest  and  shoulder  blade. 

15.  MEASURE.      UPPER  WIDTH. 

Circular  measure.  As  this  upper  width  is  to  be  taken  underneath  the  coat  and  over  waist  coat  only  in 
onlcr  tu  ascertain  the  thickness  of  material  and  padding  of  the  garment  over  which  measure  was  taken;  parti- 
cular attention  must  be  paid  that  the  measure  do  not  slide  otf  the  highest  arch  of  the  shoulder  blades.  The 
coat  is  to  be  raised  across  the  back  as  much  as  requisite  for  conveniently  putting  on  the  measure,  which  is  to 
be  done  as  high  as  practicable.  Drawing  it  thus  through  underneath  the  arms,  the  measure  will  of  itself 
assume  a  horizontal  direction  and  stop  without  any  difficulty  at  the  highest  point  of  the  shoulder  blade. 
Across  the  chest,  the  measure  must  run  ecpially  horizontal,  and  in  so  doing  touch  the  highest  points  of  the  chest. 

1G.  MEASURE.      WIDTH  OF  THE  NATURAL  WAIST. 
Circular  measure  round  the  waist  closely  over  the  hips.     Creases,  enlarging  the  circle,  to  be  avoided; 
measure  to  be  taken  but  moderately  tight. 

17.  MEASURE.      WIDTH  OF  THE  HIPS. 
Circular  measure  in  horizontal  direction  over  the  highest  prominence  of  the  hips;  to  be  measured  about  2 
inches  below  the  waist  circle. 

18.  MEASURE.     WIDTH  OF  THE  SEAT. 
Circular  measure  in  horizontal  direction  across  the  highest  point  of  the  seat. 

19.  MEASURE.      FOR  A  VEST. 
From  the  top  of  the  centre  seam  commencing,  measure  the  length,  and  the  bosom  opening. 

20.  MEASURE.      FOR  PANTALOONS.  —  OUTSIDE  LENGTHS. 
Side  length.     Put  on  the  measure  at  the  prominence  of  the  hip  as  high  up  as  the  pants  are  wished  to  be 
made;  note  down  the  height,  measure  downward  to  the  knee  pan,  mark  the  length,  keep  the  measure  steady  at 
the  hip  and  measure  freely  down  to  the  sole  of  the  foot. 

21.  MEASURE.      INNER  LENGTH. 
Ascertain  whether  a  tight  or  a  loose  fit  at  the  crutch  is  wanted.     Put  the  measure  on  accordingly,  which 
ought  to  be  taken  between  the  fore  and  middle  fingers,  and  measure  down  to  the  sole.     Are  the  pants  or 
breeches  to  be  used  for  riding  on  horseback,  let  the  person  measured  stand  somewhat  astride,  which  posture 
will  give  the  required  length. 

22.  MEASURE.      WIDTH  OF  THE  WAIST. 
Circular  measure  for  pantaloons  or  breeches  underneath  the  vest. 

23.  MEASURE.      WIDTH  OF  THE  UPPER  THIGH,  RIGHT  AND  LEFT. 

Circular  measure  close  to  the  crutch  passing  underneath  the  seat  in  horizontal  direction,  round  the  right 
thigh.  Nothing  voluminous  must  be  allowed  to  remain  in  the  pockets,  for  it  would  interfere  with  the  measure. 
Then  measure  the  left  thigh  in  precisely  the  same  manner. 

24.  MEASURE.     WIDTH  OF  THE  KNEE  AND  CALF. 
Circular  measure  over  the  highest  arch  of  the  knee  pan,  and  the  largest  width  of  the  calf  of  the  leg. 

25.  MEASURE.      WIDTH  <"*  ~ 

""f-  *:--'  -        "  tlw.  foot  ac-  — Unr  ' 

1^ 


i  *     i    *  : 


PLATE  2   A  TREATISE  ..a,,™  MEASUREMENT  of™  HUMAN  BODY  wen™  by  WILHELN   SELLE     CHICAGO  ILL 


1 


I 


down  separately  and  attended  to  at  the  cutting.  Besides  this,  the  different  constructions  of  the  leg  are  to  be 
measured  and  noted  down.  Of  these,  five  are  to  be  specially  observed:  1st,  straight;  2nd,  upper  high  arched  and 
hollowed  in  the  crutch;  3rd,  knock-kneed;  4th,  bandy;  5th,  bow  legged.     Diagrams.  57,  58,  59  and  60. 

MEASURES   OF  PANTALOONS.      DIAGRAMS  18,  19. 

Length  of  the  leg  from  the  prominence  of  the  hips  down  to  the  knee  24  inches,  whole  length  43  inches.  In- 
ner length  of  the  leg  33  inches;  width  of  the  waist  30  inches.  Width  around  the  hips  35.  Width  of  the  seat  37^. 
Width  of  the  right  upper  tigh  21,  left  22.  Knee  15.  Calf  15^.  Width  of  the  foot  18,  1  inch  hollowed.  The 
pattern  draft  is  to  be  made  on  paper  because  it  can  be  done  more  accurately,  and,  should  the  material  be  striped 
or  checked,  the  back  pieces  can  be  laid  precisely  in  conformity  with  the  stripes. 

THE  DRAFT  OF  THE  FRONT  PART  OF  PANTALOONS.  DIAGRAM  18. 

Draw  a  perpendicular  and  a  horizontal  line;  put  the  measure  at  a  perpendicularly  down  to  the  knee  c  24. 
The  whole  length  43  inches.  From  cl  to  b  33  (inner  length  of  the  leg).  Divide  the  widths  of  waist,  hips  and 
seat  each  into  4  parts;  the  width  of  the  upper  thigh  into  8,  into  16,  into  24  parts;  draw  horizontal  lines  at  a,  b,  c 
and  d.  Then  put  horizontally  £  width  of  the  seat  at  a  to  i;  from  i  back  to  f  £  width  of  the  waist.  Line  b  to  k  f, 
to  g  i;  from  g  back  to  s  *  .  Width  of  the  upper  thigh,  line  d  to  c  2g,  to  ^\6-  Draw  now  a  line  from  e  to/>  to 
the  horizontal  line;  then  from  m  to  &  a  line.  Compass  from  g  to p,  to  k  and  oo.  Draft  the  crutch;  shape  the 
inner  length  of  the  leg  from  g  perpendicularly  to  the  horizontal  line  e.  As  that  side  to  which  the  person  dresses 
requires  more  space,  it  must  be  drafted  wider  from  the  crutch  up  to  the  waist  proportionally,  as  the  diagram 
represents;  i  width  of  the  hip  is  accordingly  put  on  from /to  b,  I  and  d.  Shape  the  side  seam.  If  the  material 
has  got  a  galoon  (side  stripe),  the  hollowing  is  to  be  done  a,t  the  back  piece  alone.  If  the  pants  are  to  have  pleats, 
the  additional  width  must  be  given  at  the  side. 

TO  DRAFT   THE  BACK  PIECES   OF  PANTALOONS. 

To  be  commenced  by  drawing  the  side  line  and  marking  the  points  a,  b,  c  and  d  at  the  length  line  of  the  front 
part.  Take  half  of  the  width  of  the  seat,  deduct  £  width  of  the  waist;  the  remainder  put  from  a  horizontally  to  I, 
which  mark.  The  breadth  of  the  front  parts  put  on  d  and  to  m,  which  mark.  Put  the  line  c  and  i  upon  m  and  I; 
put  also  the  angle  on^>  and  g;  draw  a  perpendicular  line  and  also  a  horizontal  line  to  the  length  of  the  crutch  \  of 
the  width  of  the  upper  thigh,  from  p  across  g,  mark  the  amount;  from/?  to  a  the  amount  to  I  upwards.  Cast  up 
half  the  width  of  the  hips  with  addition  of  the  seams  at  the  hips.  From  the  height  of  the  back  piece  draw  a  line 
to  g.  If  the  width  of  the  hips  is  too  large  compared  with  the  width  of  the  waist,  a  "sugon"  is  to  be  cut  out  at  the 
place  indicated  in  the  diagram.  Then  the  back  piece  of  the  pants  is  drafted  at  the  crutch  after  the  front  part. 
From  c  to  d  in  3  parts:  2  parts  from  c  downward;  there  the  width  is  made  out.  Draw  a  line  downward,  add  the 
width  round  the  foot  from  d  horizontally,  give  the  widths  of  the  knee  and  calf.  From  the  crutch  seam  to  c  at  b 
the  width  of  the  upper  thigh,  with  addition  of  the  seams  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  seat.  The  width  of  the  seat 
with  addition.     Shape  the  back  part  of  the  pantaloons  as  the  fashion  plate  directs.     Diagram  19. 

In  the  case  of  an  obnormal  shape  of  the  leg,  the  point  where  the  hollow  shows  itself,  must  be  ascertained, 
and  the  amount  of  it  deducted  and  then  again  added  at  the  opposite  side  of  the  bend.  If  the  leg  from  the  knee 
downward  assumes  an  oblique  position,  half  the  width  which  the  ankles  stand  apart,  is  to  be  added  to  the  outside 
length  of  each  leg  of  the  pants.  If  the  legs  are  constructed  abnormally  in  a  reverse  way,  an  operation,  reversed 
to  the  former  is  needed.     Diagram  57. 


■o' 


THE  CONSTRUCTION  OF  GAITERS.    REPRESENTED  IN  DIAGRAM  56. 

As  long  as  the  gaiter  is  to  be,  as  high  up  put  the  length  measure  ;  mark  that  point  a  ;  from  there  to  the  knee 
b,  calf  c,  ankle  d,  whole  length  c.  At  these  points  draw  cross  lines  :  at  a,  width  of  the  thigh  ;  at  b,  width  of  the 
knee;  at  c,  width  of  the  calf;  at  d,  width  of  the  ankle  ;  at  I,  width  of  the  heel  round  the  heel  of  the  boot  and 
the  ankle  joint  I.  Divide  the  measure  of  the  circumference  of  the  ankle  joint  into  3  parts,  into  15  parts,  into 
30  parts. 

Draw  now  a  perpendiclar  and  a  horizontal  line ;  put  on  half  of  the  width  of  the  thigh,  and  mark.  From  that 
mark  draw  again  a  perpendicular  line  downward.  Then  draw  the  length  measures  from  a  to  b,  to  c,  to  d  and  to  e. 
Note  down  the  distance  to  d.  Draw  horizontal  lines,  &  length  of  the  gore,  i  height  of  the  gore.  From  d  to  e 
is)  is,  is-  Horizontally  the  lengths  1B,  is-  Shape  the  line  round  the  ankle  joint.  Put  on  in  oblique  direction 
from  the  heel  to  the  instep,  half  the  circumference  of  the  ankle  joint ;  the  widths  of  the  ankle,  the  calf,  the  knee 
and  upper  thigh.    Then  shape  the  gaiter. 

The  above  rule  applies  to  all  kinds  of  gaiters. 


Put  the  measure  on  the  perpendicular  lines,  mark  a  '.,,,  to  d  j.  Draw  a  horizontal  line  from  d  to  g  \,  to  dd  ±; 
from  <ttltoflu..  Put  the  compass  on,-/  ami  dd,  draw  the  globe  shape;  the  remainder  according  to  pattern  draft. 
The  sleeve  is  drafted  conformably  to  the  shape  of  a  normal  body,  and  should,  in  some  cases,  a  higher  shoulder  be 
wanted,  mark  off  proportionally  from  the  sleeve-globe.     Diagram  9. 

CONSTRUCTION  FOR  VESTS. 

Vests  are  drafted  after  the  fashion  of  Coats;  the  front  part  by  the  back  part.  In  the  front  part  at  the  hollow 
of  the  gorge,  the  point  of  the  shoulder  comes  in  with  l9  of  the  hollow  of  the  gorge  nearer  the  neck;  and  the  l 
which  the  fnmt  part  shoulder  is  shortened,  is  added  in  length  down  below.  At  the  armhole,  too,  ',  more  is  cut 
out.  In  respect  to  the  upper  width,  enlargement  of  the  chest  and  the  seams,  the  rules  of  coatcutting  apply  as 
well.  All  that  is  to  be  observed  is,  that  no  additional  widths  need  be  allowed  for  buttons  and  button  holes.  The 
rest  is  directed  by  fashion.     Diagram  10. 

THE  CONSTRUCTION  OF  SACK-GREAT-COATS,  CLOAKS  OF  DIFFERENT  KIND 

AFTER    THE    COAT   PATTERN. 

If  the  cutter  has  got  the  measure  of  the  coat  of  the  person,  for  whom  a  sack  greatcoat,  cloak  or  cape  is  to  be 
made,  the  only  additional  measure  to  be  taken  is  that  of  the  width  of  the  hollow  of  the  gorge  over  the  coatcollar 
and  the  length.  As  much  as  the  back  piece  is  shown  to  be  wider  according  to  the  large  upper  width,  so  much  is 
it  to  be  put  higher  at  the  hollow  of  the  gorge.  As  much  as  the  difference  amounts  to,  between  normal  width  and 
the  width  of  the  measure  for  the  greatcoat,  so  much  must  the  shoulder  in  front  come  longer,  the  point  of  the  hollow 
of  the  gorge  come  nearer  to  the  neck,  the  position  of  the  arm  advanced,  and  the  chest  come  broader,  as  diagram 
47  and  48  represents. 

The  breadth  of  the  back  piece  of  an  Inverness  cloak  amounts  to  i  of  the  large  upper  width,  and  ^  of  the  latter 
is  the  width  of  the  hollow  of  the  gorge  at  the  back  piece.  As  much  as  the  large  upper  width  according  to  the  J5 
principle,  is  larger  than  the  normal  width,  so  much  comes  the  back  piece  higher  at  the  hollow  of  the  gorge.  The 
armhole  is  drafted  with  and  without  sleeves. 

The  half  cape  is  to  be  put  on  at  the  front  and  at  the  hollow  of  the  gorge,  and  while  in  this  position  the  front 
and  the  gorge  is  drafted,  the  width  also  is  given.  The  front  point  of  the  gorge  is  the  point  from  where  the  com- 
passing is  to  be  executed,  as  shown  by  diagram  47. 

A  half  wide  cape  is  to  be  drafted  after  the  coat  pattern.  The  breadth  of  the  back  piece  amounts  to  \  of  the 
large  upper  width,  and  .',-  of  the  latter  again  is  the  width  of  the  hollow  of  the  gorge  at  the  back  piece.  If  the  cape 
is  not  to  have  a  great  width,  the  front  and  the  back  parts  come  wider  apart  at  the  hollow  of  the  gorge.  The 
triangle  formed  between  the  front  and  the  back  pieces  at  the  gorge,  is  divided  into  halves,  and  a  line  is  marked  in 
the  middle  of  it  which  is  prolonged  upwards  till  a  short  blunt  triangle  is  formed,  as  represented  by  diagram  54. 
From  the  upper  point  of  that  triangle  the  compassing  of  the  length  must  be  executed. 

As  to  cloakcapes,  their  back  part  length  must  be  marked.  This  done,  divide  the  width  of  the  hollow  of  the 
gorge  into  6  parts.  From  a  to  b  I,  to  c  I;  from  b  perpendicularly  to  d  I;  from  d  horizontally  Jl8.  From  there 
compass  to  the  indicated  lengths.  Draft  hollow  of  the  gorge  according  to  the  front  part  of  the  cloak.  There  are 
two  different  drafts  as  represented  by  diagram  55. 

CONSTRUCTION  OF  PALETOT  WITH  CAPE  FORMING  THE  SLEEVES. 

REPRESENTED    BY   DIAGRAM   49   AND    50. 

This  paletot  is  constructed  after  the  coat  pattern  and  has  an  upper  width  of  29  inches.  It  must  be  observed 
that  the  breadth  of  the  back  amounts  to  i  of  the  upper  width  and  that  it  comes  higher  up  at  the  hollow  of  the 
gorge.     The  draft  of  this  coat  gives  the  widths  and  waist-lengths. 

The  length  of  the  cape  then  is  marked,  the  back  piece  put  on,  the  position  of  the  shoulder  drafted,  and  the 
front  part  laid  on  in  front.  The  necessary  width  can  be  added  at  the  globe  of  the  arm  and  in  front.  From  the 
point  of  the  gorge  at  the  back  the  compassing  is  to  be  executed. 

CONSTRUCTION  OF  THE  PANTALOONS. 
Just  as  varied  as  the  shapes  of  the  human  trunks,  are  the  legs  we  have  to  clothe:  the  width  of  the  waist,  the 
hips,  the  seat,  upper  thigh,  knee,  calf  and  the  foot,  present  frequently  a  shape  diviating  in  many  respects  from 
what  we  have  called  normal  proportions.  Without  paying  close  attention  to  these  deviations,  a  well  fitting  pair  of 
pantaloons  cannot  be  drafted.  An  accurate  measure  of  all  the  points  of  the  leg,  besides  the  length  measure,  is 
necessary  in  order  to  know  their  proportions.  All  the  different  measures  for  pantaloons  are  to  be  taken  in  the 
same  way  and  as  tightly  as  the  measure  of  the  waist,  because  the  drafting  depends  entirely  upon  this  accuracy. 
The  requirements  of  fashion  are  represented  by  the  fashion  plates;— and  the  wishes  of  the  customer  can  be  put 


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